Person of interest' named in April Millsap murder investigation

Authorities appear closer to making an arrest in the case of an Armada teen who was brutally murdered last month.

On Monday, a second search warrant was executed at a home on Marquette Street in Goodells, just north of Armada in St. Clair County. The two men who reside at that home were arrested earlier this month on unrelated marijuana charges after the substance was found inside the home during the first raid.

“As part of our ongoing investigation James Vancallis is a person of interest,” Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said Tuesday.

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When asked if any of the findings from Monday’s raid helped, Shaw stated the search warrant was sealed, meaning he could not discuss it.

He added investigators are still seeking information.

“We’re still looking for tips, especially anything related to the sketch or the blue motorcycle,” he said. “We are still getting them but we’re always looking for more. Maybe if somebody has been reluctant to say something, this is the time to say it.”

In court Tuesday, the father and son waived a preliminary hearing on charges filed after marijuana plants were found in the home during the first search. That case will now proceed to St. Clair County Circuit Court. The younger Vancallis is being held in the St. Clair County Detention Center in lieu of a $75,000 bond while his father is out on bond.

Dean Ankouny, a Royal Oak attorney representing the Vancallis family, could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening though he did tell WDIV Channel 4 his clients feel “harassed.”

April’s body was found July 24 in a drainage ditch near the popular Macomb Orchard recreation trail near the Armada Department of Public Works garage. She had gone to take her dog for a walk and never returned home.

A pair of joggers noticed her border collie Penny by the trail and followed the dog to the body. Police have not revealed how the teen was killed, but friends and family members have said she was beaten to death.

For a small-knit community that has held several showings of support for the teen’s family since her Aug. 1 funeral, the news that an arrest may be near is welcome. April was set to enter her freshman year of high school after completing eighth grade at Armada Middle School last spring.

“We want this to end,” said Armada Area School Superintendent Mike Mussary. “I’m hoping this person of interest becomes a suspect. It’s encouraging they are still working very hard on their end and I’m happy it’s still an active investigation.”

“There is a heaviness,” new high school Principal Lori Wilson said of the feeling in the community. “Naming a person of interest indicates to the community that the investigation has not ended.”

Musary is having a meeting with middle school parents, police and village President Sherri Cooper to address transportation issues and provide information “to keep kids secure and safe,” he said, on Aug. 27, 4 p.m. at Armada Middle School.

He added parents of middle school students are invited to voice their concerns as transportation is not provided for students within a mile of school.

“Until the case is solved, we have to have a plan to keep our community safe,” Musary said.